Winter Olympics Coach Sent Home for ‘Serious’ Rule Violation As Statement Issued
A Winter Olympics coach has been sent home from Italy after a 'rule violation' at the Games.
Igor Medved was a part of the Finland team as its ski jumping coach at the Winter Olympics.
But he has been sent home for violating team rules for 'alcohol-related issues' in Milano Cortina.
Finland Olympic Committee’s head of elite sports Anne Hanninen confirmed Medved's departure.
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"Medved has travelled home today. This is about alcohol-related issues," she said.
"We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter."
Hanninen didn't provide any details about Medved's behaviour but Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet described it as a 'drunkenness scandal'.
The 44-year-old, a former ski jumper, apologised for violating team rules.
"I am not proud of myself," he said.
"I apologise to the athletes, coaches, support staff, the Olympic Committee, the Ski Association, and the fans.
"After the competition, I was invited to Slovenia’s gold medal celebration. I hadn’t eaten anything, and after that, the alcohol did its job."
Marleena Valtasola, the executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, added: "An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules.
"We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics. The other issues will be discussed with him after the Games.
"Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team and for Igor.
"We have a solid staff in place and we are confident we can handle the situation in the best possible way."
Medved guided Finland to sixth place in the mixed team event but will play no further role at the Winter Olympics following his dismissal.
Lasse Moilanen is set to take over from the Slovenian for the rest of the Winter Olympics.
Medved remains under contract, with a decision over his future to be formally reviewed once the competition has finished.
Topics: Olympics
Nasir Jabbar